Canyon Torque AL: The Bike That Might Make the Strive Obsolete

James Moore · 2026-10-14

Canyon has completely redesigned the Torque, and it's causing quite a stir in the mountain biking world. With a burly aluminum frame, a whopping 7.1 inches (180mm) of travel front and rear, adjustable geometry, and a starting price of around $2,700 (€2,499), this bike is built to dominate bike parks and freeride lines. We got our hands on the top-tier Torque AL 9 to see if it lives up to the hype. ### First Impressions and Specs The Torque AL 9 tips the scales at 38.1 pounds (17.3 kg) in size M and costs $4,300 (€3,999). That's a competitive price for a bike with this much capability. The Torque has been a staple in Canyon's lineup for years, positioned between the Strive enduro and the Sender downhill bikes. The formula remains similar: 7.1 inches of travel and a mullet wheel setup (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear) for agility and rollover capability. What's new for 2027? Canyon has ditched carbon entirely for this model, going all-in on aluminum. The design is intentionally simple: visible welds, sealed cartridge bearings, and external cable routing. This not only keeps costs down but also makes maintenance easier and reduces potential failure points. It's a bike built for durability and straightforward performance. ### On the Trail We took the Torque AL 9 to some of the gnarliest trails we could find to see how it handles. The 7.1 inches of travel eats up big hits with ease, and the adjustable geometry lets you tweak the ride to your liking. The mullet setup provides a nice balance between stability and playfulness. However, one thing stood out: the chainstay length is the same across all sizes. That means riders on smaller frames might find the rear end a bit long, while taller riders might want a bit more length for stability. It's a minor quirk in an otherwise impressive package. > "The Torque AL 9 feels like a bike that's ready for anything you throw at it—whether it's a weekend at the bike park or a full-on freeride mission." ### Key Features - **Aluminum frame:** Tough and repairable, with a no-nonsense design. - **7.1 inches of travel (front and rear):** Plenty for big drops and rough terrain. - **Mullet wheel setup:** 29-inch front for rollover, 27.5-inch rear for agility (XS gets full 27.5-inch). - **Flip chip and adjustable chainstay length:** Fine-tune the geometry to your preference. - **Five sizes (XS to XL):** Something for a wide range of riders. - **Integrated multitool:** Handy for quick adjustments on the trail. - **Impressive spec:** The AL 9 comes with a solid build kit that's ready to shred. ### The Verdict So, does the new Torque AL make the Strive obsolete? Not exactly—the Strive is still a dedicated enduro race bike with its own strengths. But for riders who prioritize descending and freeride performance over uphill efficiency, the Torque AL is a compelling option. It's simple, durable, and priced right. Whether you're a park rat or a freerider, this bike deserves a serious look. We'll be putting more miles on the Torque AL 9 in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a full review. In the meantime, if you're in the market for a burly, no-frills freeride bike, the Torque AL should be on your shortlist.